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Harrison recalled from Triple-A, Sanchez optioned

Harrison recalled from Triple-A, Sanchez optioned

4/10/13: Josh Harrison connects on a single to left and Andrew McCutchen comes home to put the Pirates on the board in the top of the fourth

By Tom Singer
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MLB.com |

PITTSBURGH -- Infielder/outfielder Josh Harrison was recalled on Friday from Indianapolis by the Pirates, who optioned catcher Tony Sanchez back to the Triple-A affiliate.

Harrison will be starting his fourth stint of the season with the Bucs, who considered his versatility more important now that they are back playing National League ball.

Sanchez was called up for the recently-completed five-game Interleague swing, and in his big league debut started two games at DH, going 2-for-8 and impressing the staff with his progress at the plate.

"He showed disciplined pitch recognition," manager Clint Hurdle said of Sanchez, "and looked aggressive, but in control, at the plate. We told him to continue working hard to improve at both sides of the ball."

Harrison went 2-for-11 in his first three stints, mostly as a pinch-hitter, while also appearing at three positions -- shortstop, third base and left field.

In his most extensive Minor League action since 2010, Harrison was hitting .316 in 60 games, and comes up as particularly hot hitter. He was 17-for-45 in his last 10 games, including a six-RBI game on Monday and a four-hit game on Wednesday.

Hurdle indicated Harrison, a right-handed hitter, will play a bigger role next week, when the Phillies will be in town and are scheduled to start lefties Cole Hamels and Cliff Lee in two of the three games against the Pirates.

Tom Singer is a reporter for MLB.com and writes an MLBlog Change for a Nickel. He can also be found on Twitter @Tom_Singer. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.